2. Regulate Removal FrequencyDon’t wait until the last minute. The bulk of snow and ice removal should take place prior to employees coming and going to work during shift changes. Removal must continue throughout the day if snow and ice continues to accumulate.

3. Move Snow Pile DrainagePile snow and ice in an area where the run-off will drain to a safe location. This will prevent the run-off from becoming an additional hazard when it freezes again.

4. Plow After HoursTake advantage of the hours when the parking lot is empty of cars to remove snow, ice, slush and frozen run-off. Contractors should be available during these after-hour periods.

5. Coordinate Plowing and ParkingWhen possible, direct people to park in lots that have already been plowed. This allows unplowed areas to be free for snow removal.

6. Clear Walkways in Parking LotsClear paths in the parking lot for walking. Parking lots are difficult to keep completely free of ice and snow due to their size. Keeping a walking path clear reduces the opportunity and risk of falling.

7. Observe Thawing PeriodsThis is a period of time often neglected for snow removal. Thawing snow and ice freezes again at night to create a hazard in the morning. Take advantage of thawing periods and remove all melting snow and ice.

8. Apply Salt and SandUse salt, sand and alternative materials on areas that have been cleared of ice and snow. This practice slows down further accumulations. Sand provides some traction on ice.

Keeping employees and visitors safe every season, especially winter, should always be top of mind. Take immediate action to create a plan to remove snow and ice and minimize risk. For other tips on staying safe, check out our Safety E-Book.

Amy Carta is an Account Executive in the Senior Living and Healthcare divisions of Assurance. With 20 years experience in the insurance industry, Amy focuses mostly on customer service, concentrating on working hands-on with clients for any insurance need. Amy develops marketing plans to get her clients the very best prices possible along with building in risk management divisions to help keep prices down. Amy graduated from South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois with an AAS Degree in Visual Communications and Computer Graphics and holds P&C Producer's License since 2002.

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